Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is proudly celebrating 15 years of sparking curiosity, inspiring young minds and bringing the joy of learning to children and families across the community. As a nonprofit organization, Discovery Place is rooted in a mission to make playful, hands-on learning available to every child.
“For a decade and a half, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville has been a place where children and families come together to explore, imagine and learn through the power of play,” said Dr. Nikki Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “We’re grateful to be a part of a community that values curiosity, creativity and connection, and we are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners and visitors who have made this milestone possible.”
Since opening its doors on October 23, 2010, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville has welcomed about 2.4 million visitors from nearly every corner of North Carolina and beyond, including 48 states. With most visitors coming from within 50 miles, the Museum has become a cherished local resource for families and schools, hosting more than 100,000 children and educators on field trips that bring classroom lessons to life.
“Discovery Place Kids is one of our town’s most beloved treasures,” said Huntersville Mayor Christy Clark. “For 15 years, it has inspired creativity, curiosity and a love of learning in Huntersville’s children. We’re proud to have such an engaging space for families right in the heart of Huntersville, and we look forward to many more years of inspiration with Discovery Place Kids.”
From its beginning, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville has been rooted in the belief that children learn best by doing—by exploring their world, testing new ideas and developing essential motor skills through immersive, hands-on play. This approach has always been at the heart of Discovery Place’s work to build confidence and deepen children’s understanding of the world around them.
“Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville stands as a testament to what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision for children and families,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, President & CEO of Discovery Place. “We’re proud to have worked in partnership with the Town of Huntersville to provide not just a museum, but a vibrant gathering place where learning, laughter and wonder thrive.”
Over the years, the Museum has created meaningful experiences where families can learn and explore together through hands-on exhibits and engaging programs that spark curiosity and creativity. Special events like Storybook Ball (March), Countdown to Kindergarten (August), Ghouly Gala (October) and Noon Year’s Eve (December) have become beloved annual traditions that welcome families back year after year, creating memories and reinforcing the Museum’s role as a vibrant, inclusive community space.
As part of its commitment to making science and learning experiences available to more families, Discovery Place offers the Welcome Program, which provides discounted admission for North and South Carolina residents receiving EBT or WIC benefits. Through this initiative, more children and caregivers can explore the engaging, hands-on learning that happens every day at Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville.
Since launching in 2014, the Welcome Program has served nearly 200,000 visitors at Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville. Each year, about 15%–20% of the Museum’s guests visit through the Welcome Program—an investment that represents approximately $2.2 million in waived admission fees since the program began, helping remove financial barriers to joyful, educational experiences.
“At Discovery Place, we believe science shapes a better future, and everyone deserves access to it,” said Dr. Hill. “As we look toward the future, our commitment remains the same: to be a welcoming space where all children and families can connect, create and discover the joy of learning together.”
Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is deeply grateful for the generous support of the Huntersville DP Kids Circle and our valued partners: Arts & Science Council, Town of Huntersville, NC Science Museums Grant Program, Allstate, Autobell Car Wash, Inc., Peninsula Community Foundation and Southwire Company, LLC.
Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville Birthday Celebration
To mark 15 years of serving the community, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is throwing a birthday bash on October 23, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Museum visitors can look forward to a day full of excitement, including a special birthday-themed science show, DIY party hats, a celebration dance party, festive photo ops, sweet treats and festive fun for the whole family. Plus, don’t miss the DIY slime bar during the Museum’s birthday week, October 21 – October 26. All activities are included with museum admission.
